Which .45?

[Lobotomy Boy]

Poll: Which .45?

I'm trying to decide which .45 I want to buy. Since Springfield doesn't make an XD45, I've narrowed my choice to either a Glock 21C, a SW99, or a P97DC.

For probably the first time in my life price is not the single most important issue, but my inner cheapskate still seems to have a loud voice in this decision. Here are the pros and cons I see in each:

Ruger P97DC

Pro:
Cheap ($319 at Sportsman's Warehouse)
Reliable--I have had nothing but good experiences with Rugers
Cheap

Con:
8-round mag
Clunky controls
Not compensated
Not known as a tack driver

Smith & Wesson SW99:

Pro:
Versatile
Ergonomically adjustable
Attractive in a post-industrial sort of way
$70 cheaper than Glock

Con
Not compensated
$200 more than Ruger

Glock 21C:

Pro:
Compensated
Reliable
Accurate
10-round mag
I personally like Glock triggers

Con:
Expensive ($589)

Right now I'm leaning towards the Glock, but my inner cheapskate keeps telling me I could buy a P97 and a P95 for the price of the Glock.

 

[borodin]

All three are viable choices, although I am not one to consider a compensated barrel a pro. The G21 is a heavy enough gun that I dont think it would reduce recoil much at all. I have never been conviced that porting does what it is supposed to do, and its damn hard to clean.

Springfield is making an xd-.45GAP but I dont like the XD finish. I owned an XD9 and the finish was easily scratched.

Out of the three I would get a Glock because the finish is virtually indestructible, although i would not get the ported barrel.

I cant speak about the Ruger or SW because I have not had one. My dad has a Ruger P95 and likes it enough and I do admire the inner workings of those pistols. They seem to be very well made.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

I'm sold on the benefits of a compensated barrel. I've shot a compensated and an uncomponsated gun back to back and found the results very noticeable. A compensated Glock .45 has less muzzle flip than an uncompensated 9mm.

 

[rbernie]

CZ97B.

 

[Black Majik]

Hmm.. the choices I was gonna recommend isn't even on there!

First off - 1911, Everyone needs a .45 in the 1911 platform. Can we say NRM Colt?

Also, since you're willing to spend more, get yourself something you'll love and cherish (after the 1911 of course ) go for the Sig Sauer P220! A little more fun pimp and tactical would be the P220ST

 

[tcdrennen]

If you won't consider a Single Action (1911), which you should, for the sake of YOUR SOUL , the HK USP45 and variations (Tactical, Expert, Mk23) are excellent, reliable choices.

 

[chaim]

Out of your choices the S&W most interests me. However, don't discount the Ruger either. Ruger 9mms aren't known for their accuracy, but from what I've seen their .45s are usually far more accurate than they have a right to be considering the price. I would definately pass on the Glock.

 

[tc300mag1]

Im all for the Ruger dont care for glocks

 

[borodin]

1911 finishes

From what I have previously owned and seen from others it seems that there is a lack of good finishes on the 1911's. When I say good, I mean as good as a glock finish or others that compare such as HK's perhaps. Not knocking the guns themselves, just seems like they are high maintenance in the finish department. Even the ones that are stainless usally have a bead blast effect on the frame that scratches really easily. Here again, this says nothing about the performance of the weapons themselves, I am just anal about my guns finishes.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

I plan to get a 1911, sooner rather than later. I wouldn't mind getting a Kimber Custom II, but when the time comes I'll be doing a lot of research. I need to learn a lot more about Colts.

The HK just doesn't fit my hand very well. I like the Sig a lot, but it's $725 at Sportsman's Warehouse. I'm having a hard time getting my mind around something in the $500 range. I would probably buy the Kimber before the Sig.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

Yep, the CZ97B looks like a definite contender. I'll add that to my list of potential guns.

 

[HIPOWER]

That's a tough choice to make, but I would go with the Ruger P97 first. I recently bought one and it is very accurate and reliable. I actually think it is attractive and ergonomic too. Some will disagree, but I think the Ruger autos are probably the best value out there. What other gun maker offers a reliable, well-built 45 ACP at $319.00 with great lifetime customer service? I think that's a deal.

I also have a Glock 21 and a Springfield MilSpec. I Like them both and neither has given me any problems. The G21 is my house gun. But, I have yet to see what they can do that my P97 can't do better. And the P97 was much less expensive (not cheaper).

My .02

 

[PATH]

God forgive me! I have to say go with the GLOCK 21C. I don't like Rugers and I only buy German made German designs. Yup, go for the GLOCK. It is the best of this bunch!

 

[rde]

Ruger p97. Getting both a p97 and p95 would be cool 'cuz they share the same (everything) but the p95 in 9mm gives you more economical practice ammo (price). Skills should transfer straight across with only minor adjustment.

I like S&W but would look at perhaps the 457s (stainless) model instead...but that is just me.

Glock...hardly.

 

[chaim]

Yep, the CZ97B looks like a definite contender. I'll add that to my list of potential guns.

In that case I change my vote from S&W first and Ruger close second, to CZ first, S&W far behind, and Ruger close behind that. I have a CZ 75B and it is a well made, reliable, and incredibly accurate pistol that is nearly perfect ergonomically. The 97 is a bit bigger, but looks to be every bit as good a gun.

 

[Hal]

Interesting -
The SW99 has 6 votes (so far). I'm surprised by the relativly "high" number.
Ruger - 14
Glock - 15

In a way, that's almost a dead heat. Usually you can discount almost half of the votes for Glock/Ruger because of the bias (loyalty) the owners have towards them.

That's a surprising show of support for "the new kid" (the 99).

 

[denfoote]

Go with the brick!!

It ain't pretty, but the Ruger is one tough cookie.
Mine ain't skipped a beat yet!!!

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

I did as much research as I could last night about all the guns on the list, including the CZ, and it appears they are all good guns. There is a bit of controversy about the Glock right now, but there is also a bit of controversy about the Ruger, and from what I've read, I am not concerned about either. I've owned a bunch of Rugers and have had nothing but good luck with them, and I've run 100s of rounds through a G21C and really enjoy shooting it, but from what I've read right now I'm kind of leaning towards the CZ. I haven't held the 97B, but every 75 I've ever held fit my hand beautifully. It sounds like the 97 is an extremely accurate gun, and I know CZ quality is top notch. The prices are reasonable (less than either the Smith or the Glock), and last but certainly not least, it is one good-looking gun, something that no one has ever said about a Glock or a Ruger (the space-age 99 has its fans).

 

[armoredman]

if you like the CZ97, but it is a bit big for you, then take a look at the EAA Witness 45. Same basic shape, but smaller, with same mag capacity - for now! Tanfoglio makes some very good stuff!

 

[Black Snowman]

Only down side of the CZ 97B is that they can be hit and miss on hollowpoint ammo for feed reliability. It's pretty much a "try it and see" affair so if you plan on shooting anything but ball you might have to put some time and money into ammo experimentation and small modifications.

Having said that. I deeply envy my good friend Kamicosmos for owning one GREAT shooting gun. Not just accurate but easy to shoot and it fits my hand very well. YMMV and all that. The trigger pull in DA can be quite long for some but I would carry it C&L so it's only really an "emergency" issue for me. CZ has night sights for it for about $70 if it's going to be a defensive gun and you want them.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Get the Glock. I always say go with your instincts. If it's the gun you're leaning towards, it's clearly your first choice which makes it the better gun. If price is the only con -- either look for a used, refurb, or just put it on layaway.

 

[Sean Smith]

Technically, the Glock isn't compensated. It's ported. I personally don't think the Glock's porting is worth the trouble (and I owned a Glock 20C).

Of the non-1911 .45 guns, the CZ-97B would probaby be my first choice. Much better ergonomics and trigger pull than the Glock in my opinion.

 

[drone23]

Out of the models listed I would recommed the Glock. You do not need a C model though. The recoil of a Glock 45 does not warrant it. Glock are nice becasue they are good to go out of the box and will eat anything without complaining.

Other good choices:

H&K USP .45
SIG 220
Springfield 1911

If you want the option to carry it down the road, a Glock 30.

-D

 

[caz223]

CZ97b, no question.

 

[cratz2]

I hate guys that come in and recommend something you said you don't want, but if I were in the market for a full size 45ACP, I would not consider any of those you've listed.

If I went with a Glock, I'd get a 30 or a standard, non-ported 21.

First choice would likely be a used P220. A CZ97 or a lower-priced 1911 such as the Springfield MilSpec ($450) or the NRM Colt ($550) would be up there as well.

Of those listed, I guess I'd get the Glock.